MARGAO: Caitano Fernandes, popularly known as ‘Catao’ who captained the Goa Santosh Trophy squad in 1967 in Orissa, died at a Margao-based hospital, on Thursday morning after brief illness. His funeral date will be announced later.
He was 77 and is survived by wife Palmira Fernandes, three sons –Avelino, Clerto and Schubert (Edwin) and two daughters Suzie and Melita.
Catao’s sudden death plunged Goan football into darkness and brought back memories that appeared to have become a distant memory in the passage of time.
He was the member of Vasco Sports Club’s legendary striking ABCD quartet –appeared to be fine fettle.
Catao watched the Hero Indian Super League semi-final between FC Goa and Atletico de Kolkata at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, in December 2014 and never showed any signs of discomfort.
Catao started his career with St Bosco High School, Chinchinim. He played for Salgaocar SC, but it was only with Caltex SC, Mumbai (1960-1963) that he started making headlines when he returned to Goa in 1964. He found himself at the door steps of Vasco SC and was the livewire of the legendary striking quartet of Andrew D’Souza, Bernard Pereira and Domnic Soares.
Catao played against the Russian team selected by Bombay. He represented Bombay in the Santosh Trophy. He was part of the Goa Santosh Trophy teams between 1966 to 1970. Couple of years ago when television was almost non existent in Goa and football was the only entertainment, Catao was the biggest attraction.
He was Goa’s greatest footballer. “We were all fortunate to sample the thrill that his clinical finishing provided,” said Savio Messias, a life long Vasco Sports Club supporter and ex general secretary of GFA.
Schubert Furtado, GFA Vice President (South Goa) and Chairman of GFA’s Competitions Committee was saddened by the news. “I am deeply saddened and shocked to hear the passing of Catao Fernandes. You don’t get to see players of Catao’s stature and class any more,” said Furtado.
“He was a clinical finisher,” remembered Arjuna Awardee Brahamanand Shankwalkar who as teenager watched the winger demolish the oppositions during the Vasco Club matches and witnessed the Vasco Club;s legendary striking ABCD quartet.
“The news of Catao’s death closes a significant chapter in the history of Goan football. Catao was one of the greatest and much loved, respected to the fans of Vasco Sports Club. He won numerous trophies for the Vasco-based club,” said Anil Kamat, Assistant Secretary of the AIFF.
“I am deeply saddened and shocked to hear the passing away greatest footballer Catao Fernandes. He was very respected and a dignified person,” stated Mauricio Afonso, Assistant Coach of Dempo SC.
“Goa has lost a footballer who was of a different genre. In his demise, Goa and GFA have lost a player who would draw the crowds to the stadiums. Catao will be remembered for making football memorable’, stated GFA President Elvis Gomes in his condolence message. The GFA Executive Committee also extended their sympathy to his family.
Other who sent condolence messages included Joe Dias, vice president of Salcete Football Club; Mario Soares, Assistant coach of Salgacoar FC; Joe Menny Furtado, president of Union of Chinchinim Villagers and others.
